Times are tough right now and as small business owners you need to do what you can to promote your business. A common misconception is that you need a lot of money to market your business. But not all marketing tactics break the bank. Here are some effective tactics to add to your marketing strategy to market your business without spending money.
1. Utilize social media
If you don’t already have social media for your business, get on social media. Create business accounts on the social media platforms your customers and potential customers are on. Engage with them, the community, and other small businesses by commenting on posts and stories. Post valuable content and information related to your business and industry. The more active you are on social media the better!
2. Provide outstanding customer service
Give customers a customer service experience beyond their expectations. Wow them and create a pleasantly memorable interaction. This will boost word of mouth marketing for your business, which is priceless. If your customers are happy, they will tell their friends, family and coworkers about your business. Think of how your business can provide unexpected extras that go above and beyond.
3. Be creative
Get creative with your social media content, your promotions, your deals and new product offerings. Think of what would grab the most attention. Come up with creative ideas that no one else is doing. Create buzz for your business!
4. Cultivate Brand Ambassadors
Make brand ambassadors out of your employees and your most loyal customers. This will allow you to tap into their networks and spread the word about your business. They both have a genuine interest in your business and would most likely be delighted to help. You could even have an exclusive discount sale like a “friends and family” promotion to encourage their efforts.
5. Get featured in the local media
Reach out to your local press or local news to see if they will feature your business. If they can’t feature you, perhaps they can at least give you a shout out on social media. Any little bit helps!
6. Partner with fellow small business owners or a local nonprofit
Partner with another small business whose products or services complement yours and do a joint promotion. This will bring more attention to your businesses and allow both of you to tap into each other’s network of customers. It’s a win-win for both of you!
Is there a cause or a local nonprofit that you support? Reach out to them and see how you can partner with them for the cause.
7. Network, Network, Network
Everywhere you go and everything you do is an opportunity to network. Talk to strangers, the checker in the grocery store line, other small business owners. Talk to them about your business and carry around business cards to hand out whenever possible. The more networking you do the better! You never know what opportunities might arise out of simply talking to people.
Try all of these tactics and let me know which ones worked best for your business. I love to hear success stories!
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